Sewage smell in an apartment: the best ways to eliminate it in the kitchen and bathroom

Ways to eliminate sewer smell

Once the causes of sewer odor are identified, getting rid of it is quite simple. If the operation of external communications is disrupted, repairs should not be undertaken on your own.

The most effective solution would be to call a special service that deals with home maintenance. You should not delay resolving this issue, since leaks from sewer pipes contribute to the spread of dampness and the appearance of mold. This not only negatively affects the health of residents, but also contributes to the destruction of the foundation of the house.

You can eliminate the causes of sewer smell in your apartment yourself. You must first check the integrity of the pipes to which you have access. If a gap is found, it can be filled with a special waterproof sealant. The problem is aggravated if a pipe located in the wall of the building ruptures. In this case, you cannot do without dismantling and calling specialists.

If there is no damage to the pipes, the joints are securely fastened and have no gaps, then the cause of the sewer smell is a blockage.

Blockage.

The blockage can be removed mechanically; to do this, the following measures must be taken:

1. Carefully remove the siphon and rinse thoroughly. When dismantling, you should place a bucket under the sink to prevent the clog from spilling onto the floor.
2. You can wash the siphon with plain water or using cleaning products.
3. When removing the siphon, it is necessary to check the integrity of the gasket and, if necessary, replace it.
4. Secure the siphon in place and check the connections to ensure there are no leaks.

If flushing the siphon does not help, then you cannot do without a metal cable, which is used by plumbers not only to clean drain pipes under the sink, but also in toilets. To remove blockages, it is necessary to lower the cable into the pipe and slowly perform rotational movements.

Cable Brush.

Device for clearing pipe blockages Flower.

Device for clearing pipe blockages Anchor.

Removing hair from pipes.

Cleaning the sewer with a cable.

Chemical compounds are often used to eliminate unpleasant sewer odors. The use of such products allows you not only to clean the pipes of contaminants, but also to preserve the smell of freshness for a long time. “Domestos” and “Mole” are the most popular among housewives, due to their affordable price and effectiveness.

Bathroom Features

The bath is connected to the general sewer system by a flexible pipe. It must be curved and have a drop sufficient to prevent dirty water from returning. This tube should also have a water seal (as in the photo), which will prevent you from having a problem when the bathroom smells like sewage. If the obstacle in the form of a water plug disappears, the unpleasant odor has unhindered access to the bathroom.

In the case of a combined bathroom, the number of reasons leading to the appearance of an unpleasant odor increases significantly (it is necessary to check the toilet and the communications leading to it, the common riser). If the bathroom has neither a riser nor a toilet, then finding the source of the problem is much easier. Most often, the reason why the bathroom smells like sewer is due to violations in the connections of sewer pipes with bathrooms or errors made during installation (read: “Why does the toilet smell like sewer, getting rid of the smell”). An unpleasant odor often occurs in rooms where the operating rules of the system are violated or there are problems with the water seal.

A washing machine is often installed in the bathroom

It is important to insert the drain hose correctly. In addition, there is a ventilation hole in the bathroom, thanks to which fresh air flows in.

The cause of the trouble may also be hidden in the ventilation duct.

Problems in apartment sewerage wiring

If the apartment smells like sewage, then you need to determine whether the smell is present throughout the entire area, or just in the bathroom.
In the latter case, the cause of the stench lies in the plumbing of the apartment:

1. The appearance of leaks. If the bathroom drainage system is made of cast iron pipes, then perhaps a crack or fistula has formed in some place. This damage can occur in pipes embedded in the floor or wall, so it is often difficult to detect the location of the leak. Such invisible leaks are also possible in plastic pipes.
2. If the smell from the sewer in the apartment comes from the bathroom or kitchen, then it is necessary to check the connections of sinks, sinks and other plumbing fixtures for leaks (read also: “Why does the sewer smell in the bathroom, how to get rid of the smell”).
3. If it was not possible to find the leak, then the cause of the odor may lie in the siphons. There must be water present in their knee. If the device has not been used for a long time, the liquid may have dried out. If a drain plug was previously installed for debtors, the likelihood of drying out increases.
4. A common cause of sewer smell is improper operation of the ventilation system. For example, if the drain pipe is blocked, then the operation of the water seals is disrupted. Therefore, when a significant amount of water is discharged (for example, when flushing a toilet), a vacuum is formed, causing water to leave the siphons. In the absence of water plugs, unpleasant odors can easily penetrate into the room.
5. Clogged siphons can also cause a stench. Hair, grease, and soap particles can accumulate in the knee. This garbage begins to decompose and smell unpleasant.

Having found out why the unpleasant odor appeared, you can move on to eliminating it. So, what to do if your apartment smells like sewage?

Why does the sewer smell occur?

Before eliminating sewer odor, you must determine the cause of its occurrence. An air freshener in this situation will be absolutely pointless, since its use will only get rid of the smell for a short time. In addition, a mixture of odors can result in an unpredictable effect in the form of an even stronger and unpleasant “aroma.”

The cause may be an external malfunction of the house sewer systems. This problem is most noticeable for residents of the lower floors of apartment buildings. If, upon entering the entrance, you smell the smell of sewerage, then the reason is a violation of the tightness of the pipes located in the basement communications.

In addition, blockages that smell unpleasant when decomposed are also a serious reason for the occurrence of malfunctions. If in the first case the culprits are services that are obliged to constantly inspect basements for pipe ruptures and waste leakage, then in the second case the situation may arise if residents do not comply with the rules for using water supply and sewerage systems.

Blockage in the sewer.

If the smell of sewage appears in the apartment of residents of the last upper floors, the cause must be sought indoors. This could be natural wear and tear on the pipes or mechanical damage that has caused sewer odor to escape.

The most common reasons for the penetration of such a smell into an apartment are blockages and contamination of drain and sewer pipes, as well as failure of sealing at joints and lack of water in siphons.

Siphons installed under sinks not only perform a connecting function, but also act as an obstacle to the penetration of unpleasant odors into the apartment. The water in the siphon acts as a plug through which fumes from the sewer cannot penetrate into the room. If water does not stay in the siphon (leaks out or evaporates), corrective action must be taken.

Siphon operating principle.

Poor ventilation is not the direct cause of the unpleasant odor, but helps reduce the time it takes to disappear. Therefore, when searching for the source of the stench entering the apartment, it would be a good idea to check the proper operation of the ventilation system.

Problems with public sewerage

The reason why the apartment smells like sewage can be explained very simply - there is a problem with the system. A sign of problems with basement wiring is the presence of odor in apartments on the lower floors and in the entrance. The most common cause is damage to the pipe through which sewage flows into the basement. A clog can also cause an odor, since even a centralized sewer can become clogged due to improper use of plumbing.

You can’t leave everything as it is, because over time there will be not only a smell, but also dampness in the apartments. The structure of the house may begin to deteriorate due to constant exposure to water. Therefore, the accident must be eliminated as soon as possible.

The centralized sewage system of an apartment building is handled by utility companies - this is where the problem needs to be addressed. After fixing the leak, the basement must be ventilated to remove moisture. Sometimes it may be necessary to install a sewer vent valve.

Ways to eliminate unpleasant odor from sewers

If there is a smell from the pipes in the bathroom, what to do:

1. If the corrugated pipe sag, you should use clamps. They will bring the pipe into its natural position, and this will help remove the unpleasant odor.
2. If the bathroom plumbing will not be used for some time, it is recommended to pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the drains. It will create a film that will prevent water evaporation.
3. If pipes become depressurized, the joints should be lubricated with sealant.
4. If the pipeline is clogged, a plunger or a special cable can help.

Such powders or liquids contain special substances that dissolve contaminants of various origins. After some time, the product is simply washed off with water according to the instructions. These compounds also destroy bacteria in pipes.

You can also use folk remedies:

1. Dry mustard powder. It is poured into the hole and filled with boiled water.
2. A chlorine solution will also help get rid of the problem, but this substance has a bad effect on the condition of the pipeline.
3. You can get rid of blockages in pipes with regular salt. It is poured into the drain and washed off with water after 10 minutes.
4. If you pour boiling water over two tablespoons of baking soda, you will get a bubbling solution - you need to pour it down the drain.

These methods are excellent for prevention - to avoid blockages and unpleasant odors from the sewer, it is recommended to clean the pipes using one of these methods once a month.

Clogged sewer pipes

Almost everyone who enjoys the benefits of civilization faces this situation. Clogs form from food debris, debris and hair much more quickly when using cold water than hot water. Fat and solid particles settle on the walls of pipelines, accumulate, narrowing the diameter, and at one point block the flow of water.

Blockages are formed from food debris, solid particles and hair, etc.

Another cause of blockages can be improper operation of the sewer system, namely attempts to drain large waste, food debris, and rags into it. They clog the pipes and prevent waste from flowing out.

There are two sources of unpleasant odor: the clog itself and the water that stagnates in the tubes. There are a lot of ways to eliminate the smell from sewers in the bathroom and toilet in a private home:

Available means: soda, vinegar, carbonated drinks.

This method is suitable for small blockages. A certain amount of soda is poured into the hole and filled with vinegar. A chemical reaction occurs, accompanied by the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide, which affects fat deposits. The soda should be left in the pipes for an hour, then rinsed with plenty of hot water.

Carbonated drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite and others contain phosphoric acid, which, with prolonged interaction, can dissolve the blockage.

Chemicals of different price categories.

This is the most common way to deal with blockages. There are many different anti-congestion medications on the market today. Their principle is the same: the amount of chemical specified in the instructions must be poured into the drain and left for some time, from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Then rinse the pipe with hot water. It is important to remember that these products are hazardous to health, you should use them with gloves, and some with masks, and after use, ventilate the cottage well.

Mechanical means, such as a cable or plunger.

Mechanical means of dealing with congestion remain the most reliable. The plunger is applied to the drain and a forward movement is made. This simple device creates increased pressure that pushes through the obstruction.

The plumbing cable is lowered into the pipe and rotated using a special handle. It helps relieve congestion for a short time.

You will find more detailed information on how to remove the blockage in the article - How to clean the sewer and remove the blockage with your own hands

The best way to deal with blockages is prevention . It is worth following a few simple rules, and the pipes will become clogged extremely rarely:

• install nets on drains that will catch food waste and hair;
• after finishing washing the dishes, open the hot water for half a minute;
• preventive use of chemicals.

If the blockages are serious and cannot be removed using popular methods, you should contact a professional.

Why does the bathroom smell like sewer?

Increased levels of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the air lead to a number of complex diseases, as well as a deterioration in the quality of life of household members, sleep disturbances, and contributes to increased irritability and nervous breakdowns.

To determine the cause of an unpleasant odor, you need to understand the plumbing system in the bathroom and throughout the house. The main pipe, the riser, receives waste from all apartments in an apartment building. All drains from plumbing fixtures located in the living area are drained there.

Plumbing fixtures with siphons and drain pipes are constantly filled with water, which ensures a reliable water seal. The appearance of odor is caused by the partial or complete disappearance of water from the pipes. The smell quickly enters the bathroom, and from there spreads throughout the apartment.

Experts identify several other reasons for the occurrence of unpleasant odors in the apartment:

• initially incorrect installation of sewer and waste pipes;
• incorrect angle of inclination of sewer pipes;
• malfunction of the siphon;
• leaks in pipes;
• poor quality ventilation system;
• blockages in pipes.

For other reasons for the occurrence of a killer “aroma”, you can easily cope with the problem on your own

Basic precautions in the form of a mesh on the bathtub drain and constant cleaning can minimize the risks of blockages and sewer odor.

Sewer smell in a private home

Private houses are usually equipped with a local sewer system, which is characterized by extreme sensitivity. The slightest change in operating conditions can cause the appearance and rapid spread of stench.

In addition to the above reasons (blockages in pipes, leaks, malfunction of the siphon and water seal), residents of cottages and country houses often encounter a specific source of stench. Namely, the operation of a wastewater treatment facility (septic tank), where wastewater settles and is subsequently purified by microorganisms.

When the bacteria die, waste processing stops, and residents are faced with the problem of how to urgently eliminate the monstrous smell from the sewer that has taken over the entire house.

The death of microorganisms that are important in wastewater treatment can cause an unpleasant odor in a private home

The extinction of microorganisms can be triggered by the following factors:

• Using aggressive household chemicals containing chlorine or other similar components.
• Shallow laying of pipes and septic tank zones into the soil. To prevent icing of water in the sewer system, they must be below the freezing level of the soil.
• Prolonged lack of drainage, which may be caused by the long absence of the owners. In this case, the bacteria are left without a nutrient medium, as a result of which their colonies die.

To eliminate these reasons, you should be well aware of the rules for using a septic tank and strictly follow them.

Simple ways to eliminate odor

If the problem is caused by a clog, you just need to clean the pipes to solve it. Various chemicals are used for this purpose. For example, “Mole”, “Domestos”, “Mr. Muscle” and others. In order to get rid of the smell, you can use traditional methods:

• Table salt is poured into the pipeline. Then, after waiting a little, it is washed off with running water;
• Washing soda (2 tablespoons) is poured with a liter of boiling water. Then the composition is poured into the drain hole;
• Soda is poured into the drain. Following this, acetic acid is poured in. The drain hole should be tightly closed. After half an hour, the drain opens and the water is turned on to rinse off the composition;
• Prepare a mixture of washing soda and salt. Then it is poured into the drain hole. Salt helps get rid of the odor, and washing soda helps clean the pipeline.

Tiret to help.

To ensure that the smell from pipes in the kitchen and bathroom does not bother you in the future, it is recommended to apply the above preventive measures once a week. For this purpose, preventive chemicals can be used. There are also temporary ways to eliminate odor from pipes:

The zest of an orange or lemon is set on fire indoors. A small piece is enough

It is important to follow all safety measures; The bathroom should be ventilated after each “bath procedure”. A constantly closed door only exacerbates the problem; Until a solution to the problem is found, you can use air fresheners

Additional recommendations

• If the design is completely intact, the cause of the problem may be evaporation of liquid in the water seal caused by infrequent use of the taps;
• If you are going on a long-distance train, fill the waterproofer with oil. This way you will prevent drying out in the system;
• Buy a special siphon. It will be a kind of barrier for amber;
• Replace the gaskets in the pipeline.

What to do if you have already tried many methods, but the unpleasant smell from the pipes remains? In this case it makes no sense to buy

more and more new chemicals, look for traditional ways to combat amber. Most likely, the cause of the problem is more serious than you think, and ordinary means will not get rid of it. In this case, do not overuse air fresheners. Better try to replace the system quickly if this is the cause, or take an interest in the general condition of the sewer system in your home. In the latter case, you should seek help from the appropriate services.

How to deal with bathroom odor

Once the cause of the stench has been established, measures can be taken to eliminate it. If we are talking about an apartment building and the problems, for example, a blockage, are in the general building drainage system, then it is necessary to involve employees from the management organization.

If faults are localized inside an apartment or in a private house, you need to remove them yourself or with the help of hired specialists.

1. If it is discovered that the sewer system was installed with violations, then it will be necessary to completely redo it or make changes to some areas. To do this, it is better to call an experienced plumber.
2. Leaks often occur at joints. The pipelines must be disconnected and reconnected and sealed. If the leak occurs due to a violation of the integrity of the pipe, then it is necessary to seal the crack and subsequently replace the damaged area.
3. The accumulation of condensate on the pipe due to temperature differences is prevented by insulation.
4. The operation of the siphon can be restored in various ways, the choice of which depends on the cause. This could be clearing a blockage, eliminating sagging corrugations using clamps, pouring hot water into a pipe to defrost ice, or restoring the permeability of a ventilation pipe.
5. Air ventilation cleaning is carried out by a specialist. If movement is free, but moisture removal is not enough, then you can install a grille with a fan that removes air forcibly.
6. When the stench comes from the washing machine, it is necessary to run a dry wash in the boiling mode with detergent. After this, thoroughly wipe the drum and cuff. Another measure is to clean the drain pump and hose.
7. Blockages in sewer pipelines are eliminated using special means and cables. There are even electric pipe cleaners used by professionals.

The main causes of stench in the bathroom are blockages and leaks in pipes, as well as problems with sewer ventilation and siphons.

You can troubleshoot problems yourself or with the help of specialists. But prevention, which includes several measures, is much more effective.

When installing sewer systems, it is necessary to avoid a large number of joints and turns and place them in accessible places. It is important to use pipelines and fittings of the correct diameter, high quality and observe the slope during installation.

Do not throw construction waste, rags or other waste into the sewer that will cause pollution. It is worth regularly cleaning the siphon and sewer pipes. It is recommended to install grease traps after kitchen sinks and dishwashers. If the pipeline runs in places where there is a temperature difference, then it needs to be insulated. Entrust the installation of the entire sewer network to professionals. If you have to leave your home for a long time, it is recommended to pour a little vegetable oil into the siphons, which will prevent the evaporation of the liquid.

Following these simple rules will help prevent the occurrence of odor.

Smells like sewer due to sewer system installation errors

The drainage system in a private house will work properly if the system is assembled in accordance with the rules. What errors are typical when performing this work:

1. Incorrect placement of plumbing fixtures. The sewerage design provides for a linear arrangement of drainage facilities. In this case, the outlet from the toilet should be located as close as possible to the riser. Drainage devices on different floors of a private house are located parallel in the same vertical plane.

1. Each plumbing facility is required to be equipped with a siphon. The absence of this device on any of them leads to the penetration of fetid odors into the room.
2. Errors in sizing sewer pipes. The cross-section of the conductors must ensure the free passage of sewer contents through them. In most cases, gravity-flow systems made of plastic products are used for a private home. As you move away from the sources of drainage, the cross-section of the channel must be increased. If water is drained from the sink with a pipe of 50 millimeters, then the riser should be narrower than 100 mm, and the pipes to the septic tank should be 150.
3. Poor connection in the drain system. For the gravity system, plastic socket products are used. A sealing cuff is installed inside the socket. If the parts are mated off-axis, the seals may not be tight, which will inevitably lead to leaks and odors, but removing the smell in this case is not so difficult.
4. Failure to observe slopes when installing the pipeline. The slope should be 1-2 percent from the horizontal towards the drain, that is, for every meter of length the difference in slope is up to 2 millimeters per meter of length. If it is less, the water will practically not flow, and if it is more, it will pass quickly and solid contaminants will not have time to leave along with the flow. Gradually their number will increase until a blockage forms.
5. Formation of leaks in the sewer pipeline and connection points of plumbing fixtures (toilet, bathtub, sink, etc.) due to the formation of microcracks or the appearance of leaks at the connection points. This phenomenon can occur for many reasons. Let's list the main ones - poor-quality installation, poor-quality materials or their wear and tear due to long-term use.

Other types of problems

There are other types of plumbing problems when the sewer smells. It is necessary to have an idea why the toilet smells like sewage in order to carry out repair work independently and in a timely manner.

Clogged sewer pipes

1. If there is hard water, the pipes become clogged with limestone deposits. They are eliminated using special chemicals that dissolve these formations.
2. The cause of the clog can be the accumulation of toilet paper and hair residues, which retain large particles from the wastewater. At this moment, a characteristic smell appears from the sewer. For cleaning, use a plunger, chemical agent or cable.
3. It is difficult to remove particles of building materials and rags from the system, which cause severe clogging. In such a situation, use a plumbing cable or special equipment.
4. Sewer passages are often contaminated with fatty deposits, which are prevented by the periodic pouring of boiling water into the pipes in large quantities.

Incorrect pipe installation

Such mistakes can be made if the installation was carried out by an inexperienced person. This work must be performed by a master who is aware of all the intricacies of installation. After some time, improperly installed sewer pipes cause an unpleasant odor, the reason for which lies in the violation of the pipeline slope. To remove the problem, you will need to redo the system. This work is characterized by the complexity of calculating the slope angle.

Sewer system installation errors

Poor functioning of plumbing fixtures can be caused by problems with the siphon and narrowing of the lumen due to the accumulation of dirt. These problems can be eliminated by cleaning. The water plug may dry out or break off if the rules for installing sewer parts are violated. Sometimes elements with a diameter smaller than those required by building codes are used for the system. The sewage system will work stably if the section of the part is not blocked by drains.

Otherwise, the installed siphon will discharge and fail. If the system is located in a cold room, it will freeze in winter. In such a situation, the ice is melted with hot water and hoses with a larger diameter are selected.

Toilet connection diagram.

When a drain pipe becomes clogged, the plumbing system malfunctions. This part is located on the roof and helps equalize the pressure in the system. When this area becomes clogged, the sewer system stops performing its functions.

Each release of water leads to a breakdown of the siphon, which causes gases to enter the room. To eliminate the stench, the sewer passages are cleaned so that the question does not arise as to why the bathroom smells like sewer.

Poor ventilation

If, after a full inspection of the bathroom, the source of the stench was not found, you need to check the ventilation ducts, which apartment owners often forget about. The room must be thoroughly ventilated, so ventilation is checked regularly. Inspection is carried out once every 30 days. In a private house, a working ventilation system will remove all odors that are unpleasant to humans.

Violation of system tightness

Another source of stench can be cracks in pipes. In this case, liquid appears under the sink or toilet. The leak area is sometimes difficult to determine due to the presence of furniture in the room or small area

To search, you will need to take a flashlight and inspect all the parts, paying attention to connections and joints

A leak is indicated by drops on the outside walls of the pipes. To restore the system, it is necessary to replace the area or seal the hole. Such problems can be prevented through preventive measures. To achieve this, high-quality and reliable material is used during installation, waterproofing of the floor and walls in the bathroom is carried out in a timely manner, and the location of system elements in hard-to-reach places is avoided.

Ways to get rid of sewer smell

The first thing apartment owners should do is to determine the cause of the unpleasant odor. If there is a problem with the installation, then you should contact a professional. If the reason lies in a malfunction of the hood or depressurization of pipes, you can try to fix the problem yourself.

Professional

A person must soberly assess his own abilities. If you do not have the desire or skills to do such work, it is better to contact a professional workshop, where they will certainly help solve the problem of an unpleasant odor throughout the apartment.

There are several situations when the help of a plumber is necessary:

• improper installation (irregularities during the installation of plumbing and ventilation can lead to the spread of a terrifying “aroma”; the system will have to be completely redone);
• lack of proper exhaust (it’s very easy to check, just attach a sheet of paper to the grille of the ventilation shaft - it should be attracted by air currents).

If the owners decide to change the old system to a new one, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. This will give lasting confidence in the quality and durability of the work done.

Folk

If the cause of the stench is a clogged drain, leaking pipes or other simple problems, you can deal with them yourself using traditional methods. There are quite a few of them, and each housewife can choose the one that suits her specifically.

First you need to determine the location of the blockage. This can be done by checking the drain in the bathroom, sink, or toilet. Only after this is it recommended to use cleaning products, including traditional ones.

Our grandparents, mothers and fathers did not have the opportunity to use expensive cleaning products and used improvised products to effectively clear the bathtub of blockages:

• table salt (just pour a large amount of salt into the drain pipe, and after a couple of hours rinse with a stream of hot water);
• table vinegar + baking soda (for cleaning you will need 5-6 tablespoons of baking soda, which are also poured into the bathtub drain, then pour in table vinegar in a thin stream, trying not to damage the enamel; closing the drain with a stopper, leave overnight; in the morning it will be enough to rinse drain with plenty of warm water);
• Alka-Seltzer tablets (pop the effervescent tablets directly into the drain pipe and pour in a thin stream of table vinegar, two minutes is enough for the dirt to easily come off; rinse with plenty of warm water).

The slightest doubt in your own abilities should be a reason to invite a professional plumber. Only an experienced professional can guarantee the removal of sewer smell from your apartment.

Restoring ventilation

If the apartment smells like sewage, and the sources of the problem have not been identified, it is quite possible that the reason for this lies in a malfunction of the ventilation system. Homes usually have a natural draft of ventilation.

To check the operation of the ventilation structure, a simple test is carried out - a sheet of paper is applied to the grille.
With normal draft, it will be held by the air flow, in other words, it will simply “stick” to the grille. In the absence of ventilation, mold and mildew form on the walls, resulting in a slight but rather unpleasant odor.

The problem of poor ventilation can be solved in the following ways:

1. Clean clogged channels. This work must be performed by specialists. It will not be possible to cope with this task on your own, since poor ventilation is most likely associated not only with blockage near its entrance to the apartment, but throughout the house.
2. Create forced ventilation by installing a fan in the existing duct. You can handle this work yourself.

There are many reasons why there is an unpleasant sewer smell in the house. In order to eliminate this problem, you must first determine its source. The appearance of an odor may be due to clogged drains, problems with siphons and “water locks,” as well as problems with leaking pipes in the basement. It is possible to cope with the appearance of an unpleasant stench only if the cause of the problem is discovered, and it can also lie in the apartment plumbing - clogged pipes in the bathtub, sink, shower stall. Some problems, such as cleaning pipes, can be dealt with on your own, but in other situations it is better to turn to plumbers if you do not have the necessary knowledge to replace pipes, fix leaks and solve other similar problems.

Causes of unpleasant odor in the bathroom

An unpleasant odor may appear in the apartment due to improper installation of the drainage system or failure to comply with the slope of the wiring. In this case, an insufficient slope angle causes stagnation of liquid, and an excessive one leads to the fact that the drains quickly leave the pipes, and large waste can cause clogging of the riser.

Bathroom stench can spread from hidden leaks in hard-to-reach areas and areas embedded in walls or floors. The consequences of defects are expressed in the seepage of moisture into the ceiling, which leads to the formation of diaper rash and destruction of wooden parts.

If condensation appears on the pipes, the floors become moistened. This phenomenon is typical for rooms with temperature differences. In this case, the development of mold fungi and putrefactive bacteria begins.

If there is always an unpleasant odor in the bathroom, then first of all you should check the siphons.

The causes of the stench include malfunctions of the water seal in the form of:

• freezing or clogging of pipes;
• corrugation stretching;
• blockage in the drain pipe, which leads to disruption of ventilation in the sewer and snatching of the water plug while draining the liquid.

In the latter option, when a large volume of liquid is washed off, a squelching noise is heard from small siphons. Water leaves the siphon if the plumbing equipment is not used for a long time. The room must have ventilation and air exchange, because... The bathroom has a high level of humidity. Due to the accumulated moisture, putrefactive microbes and mold develop, which smell unpleasant.

Liquid with a large amount of waste of different sizes moves through sewer pipes. Large particles cause obstruction. The use of plumbing leads to the appearance of plaque on the walls of pipes. This overgrowth causes a narrowing of the lumen. The blockage causes an unpleasant odor and disrupts the functioning of the sewer system and water seals. Dirt most often accumulates in siphons.

Sometimes the washing machine smells because there is mold in it. The problem occurs when using a wash cycle whose temperature is 30°C. In some cases, the sump pump begins to work poorly or the drain hose becomes clogged.

Causes of odors

It is difficult to get used to sewer odors; in addition to the unpleasant stench, they are harmful to human health due to the high content of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in them. When waste decomposes, flammable methane may appear, which in high concentrations can become explosive.

The constant smell of sewage in an apartment or country house leads to a deterioration in a person’s general well-being, which is expressed in the appearance of irritability, anxiety, nervousness, and sleep problems may appear. At high concentrations of harmful gases, poisoning of the body with headaches, nausea and vomiting is possible.

Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problem of how to remove odor from a sewer in a private house as soon as possible, based on the reasons for the occurrence of odors listed below.

Rice. 4 Vacuum valve - principle of operation and placement on the riser

Pipeline seal failure

For laying internal sewerage, gray polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polypropylene (PP) pipes with outer diameters of 110 and 50 mm with a small wall thickness (2 - 3 mm) are used. The pipeline is mounted using a socket joint, inserting the end of one pipe into the extended pipe of the other, which has an internal rubber sealing ring.

During the use of sewerage, as its operational life expires, the building settles, or as a result of exposure of the pipeline to strong chemicals, destruction of the pipeline walls may occur and leaks may occur.

Also, over time, the rubber sealing rings inside the sockets lose their elasticity and strength, as a result, the seal is broken and leaks occur. Accidental damage to the pipeline by owners or hired workers during repair work associated with careless handling of heavy metal or other objects or power tools should not be discounted.

Rice. 5 Sewer pipes: internal (gray), external (red) and siphon elements (white)

Installation errors

One of the reasons why the bathroom smells is failure to maintain the required pipeline slope or improper installation of water seals. At the same time, wastewater does not completely leave the system into the septic tank and, when mixed with clean water, causes its pollution. As a result, dirty water in water seals stinks of sewerage and the causes of the odors have to be eliminated.

Some professionals or users incorrectly connect the drain hoses of washing machines or dishwashers to the sewer pipeline (without O-rings or cuffs) - as a result, foul odors enter the room.

Another type of error during sewer installation is the lack of sewer inspections or inspection wells on the pipeline, which must be placed in compliance with the distances between them in accordance with state standards. This violation of the standards leads to the fact that when the channel is clogged, it is not possible to accurately determine the location of the blockage or properly clean the sewer - as a result, it is necessary to disassemble the pipeline.

Rice. 6 Example of correct connection of sewer pipes

Lack of ventilation

The main purpose of a riser with a waste pipe and an exhaust hood is to remove unpleasant odors from sewer pipes into the external environment through the roof of the house. The second important function of a pipeline with open access to atmospheric air is to ensure the normal functioning of water seals.

Siphon clogged

If the siphon is usually clogged, an unpleasant sewer smell may also appear in the apartment. Drains very often accumulate in the siphon elbow, which over time begin to decompose and emit a rather unpleasant aroma. If the water seal is clogged, it must be washed using chemicals that can be purchased at any specialized store. If necessary, the question of how to remove the smell from the toilet can be solved by mechanically cleaning the water seal.

In most cases, corrugated siphons are susceptible to clogging, which is explained by the folded surface of the inside of the pipe. It is in the folds that debris, fat and waste products are retained. To wash the corrugated siphon, complete dismantling of the device is required.

How to fix sewerage problems in an apartment building

It is important to follow the rules for installing sewer pipes. You can get rid of the smell from them by achieving the correct angle of inclination, which will not lead to clogging of the pipes with drains. A small crack in a cast iron pipe to eliminate odor from the sewer in private houses, if dismantling is not possible, can be covered with a solution mixed only from water and cement.

Important! The slope of a sewer pipe depends on its diameter, and the angle itself must be calculated from the instrument horizon, so only a specialist can effectively remove sewer odors. Installation of sewer pipes must be carried out taking into account the following requirements:

Installation of sewer pipes must be carried out taking into account the following requirements:

Sewage fumes can enter the apartment due to the fact that the connections of the pipes located in the basement or in the riser itself are not connected properly or are damaged. Such consequences can result from poor-quality installation work on laying the sewer system. In this case, the only correct way to eliminate the smell is to replace the pipes. located in the riser, or sealing the joints with sealant.

When installing plumbing, you need to pay maximum attention to the strength of the pipe connections

How to troubleshoot a water seal

Problems in the operation of the water seal will certainly lead to the appearance of odors. In addition to the failure of the siphon and its drying out, there are other reasons why the mechanism may not function properly. This is an incorrect device assembly.

Do not overtighten the nut connecting the parts. By flying off the thread, the tightness of the connection is broken, while water flows out of the siphon, and odors penetrate inside.

Sometimes the nut is screwed in, breaking the thread, the thread breaks, and as a result, leaks appear. All gaskets must be in place and in good condition. They need to be checked periodically.

If odors are coming from the toilet, then you should be concerned. As a rule, the water seal breaks if the integrity of the bowl is damaged, because the toilet siphon is located in the body. In this case, you will have to replace the entire plumbing fixture.

Attention! If the siphon leaks in the toilet, you will have to completely replace the old plumbing with new ones.

You can eliminate odors from the sewer by regular ventilation, but this will not eliminate the cause of the stench.

You can use air fresheners that will temporarily remove all odors.

Problems with the operation of the water seal

Common reasons for the appearance of an unpleasant odor in a room include a malfunction of the water seal. If the siphon is installed under plumbing fixtures, a water plug is made in it to protect against gases from the sewer. In the absence of this element, the smell does not linger in the system and spreads throughout the room.

Operating principle of a water seal.

In addition, the siphon may not work properly due to wastewater that completely fills the pipe section. This leads to the removal of the water plug. The siphon is located under the toilet and is a curved part where some water accumulates. The water seal prevents the penetration of unpleasant odors.

Incorrect siphon installation

An unpleasant odor often appears from the sewer system in an apartment building if shortcomings were made during installation. When installing a bottle device, the outlet pipe may be higher than necessary. This will cause gases to penetrate through the top of the water plug, which will disrupt the operation of the siphon. If it is placed low, the water plug level will be reduced. To eliminate the breakdown, it is necessary to change the location of the outlet pipe, which should be 3 cm below the water level.

Siphon clogged

A clogged part is a common cause of a specific smell in the restroom. The elbow of the siphon in the bathroom is filled with waste, which, when decomposed, begins to emit a fetid smell of sewage. If the water seal becomes dirty, it is recommended to wash it. To do this, use special chemicals that can be purchased in the store.

A clogged siphon can cause a stink.

Mechanical action is rarely required for cleaning. If there is a bottle siphon, clean it without dismantling the device by unscrewing the lower part, but this method is not suitable for the toilet.

In most cases, severe clogging of corrugated siphons occurs due to their structure. Corrugation is a plastic pipe with a folded inner surface. For this reason, fat, debris, waste, etc. are retained in the corrugation.

To wash the device, it is completely dismantled. The siphon will function stably if you install a vacuum valve, which normalizes the pressure in the sewer. Valves are produced for plumbing fixtures and drain risers. For the siphon you will need to purchase a crimping part.

Drying out of the water plug

If plumbing fixtures are not used for a long time, the area dries out. This process allows gases to enter the toilet. In such a situation, the problem is resolved quickly. To do this, turn on water to completely fill the elbow and form a water seal. Drying of cork is often observed in bathrooms that are not used for their intended purpose.

Incorrect installation of corrugation

Incorrect installation of the corrugation can also cause the problem.

If the installation sequence of the corrugated pipe is not followed, a stench may spread in the bathroom. This especially applies to the bending of the corrugation, which may be incorrect.

The mistake is made by craftsmen who have no idea how to correctly position the corrugation elbow and secure the hose. To fix the problem, you need to change the corrugation configuration to the correct one and secure it with plastic clamps. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is recommended to contact a plumber.

Stretching corrugated pipe

If a corrugated hose is used when installing siphons, an unpleasant odor spreads throughout the apartment due to the sagging of the part when using the equipment. This can happen due to poor fastening of the knee, or the use of adhesive tape or electrical tape rather than special clamps. When selecting a corrugated pipe, you need to take into account its feature of gradual stretching, which causes system problems. The problem can be eliminated by returning the corrugation to its normal position and securing it with a clamp.

Leaks in sewer pipes

It may stink due to leaks. It is not easy to detect them: pipes are usually hidden in boxes and covered with tiles. Therefore, plumbers advise to always provide access to utility systems using hatches, and also not to get carried away with fittings: corners, tees - leaks most often occur at the joints .

If a problem is found, it must be resolved. When there are plastic pipes in a country house, it is enough to replace the rubber seal . For reliability, it can be treated with silicone sealant.

If cast iron pipes were used during construction, you will have to tinker a little longer. Ideally, the problem area needs to be replaced, which will have to be done sooner or later. But as a temporary measure, you can do the following.

Prepare a piece of rubber and two clamps with a diameter equal to the diameter of the pipe. A rubber patch can be cut, for example, from a car tire. Its length should be equal to the circumference of the pipe, that is, encircle it entirely. You need to wrap the pipe in rubber, press it tightly to the metal and secure it with two clamps. This patch will help keep the crack dry until the plumber visits.

Common Causes

The sewer system may smell unpleasant due to errors made in the design and installation of the pipeline. Among them are the following:

• there is no fan ventilation, which is necessary for blowing out the drain;
• the system outlet is located below 4 m from the window level;
• there is no head on the fan pipe;
• the ventilation duct for air removal is located close to the house;
• insufficient height of the fan outlet.

If the siphon breaks, an unpleasant odor may also appear. This device retains water, which acts as a plug between the room and the sewer. The volley discharge of waste liquid through the riser leads to the failure of the part. If the diameter is insufficient, water fills the cross-section of the passage, forming a low pressure that draws the liquid out of the device along with it. The water seal goes into the system pipe, allowing the stench to enter the house.

Siphon breakdowns often occur due to careless handling of the equipment. After which it will need to be repaired or completely replaced. When the apartment is visited periodically, the water plug dries out and gases from the sewer enter the room. Causes of unpleasant odors also include freezing of water, contamination of ventilation, damage in the form of cracks and accumulation of debris in pipes. Each situation requires its own way to eliminate odor in the toilet.

No head on the fan pipe.

How to eliminate sewer odor

To get rid of this problem, the cause of its occurrence is identified and eliminated.

Repair of utility networks

Cleaning a sewer pipe using a cable.

1. Re-equipment of the pipeline. New elements are laid, creating a slope prescribed by sanitary standards. Unreliable connections are treated with sealant, and new seals are installed.
2. Removing blockages from a common sewer pipe. In apartment buildings, utility services solve this problem.
3. Repairing pipe damage. The hole in the metal pipe is closed with a cement mixture. The joints between the plastic elements are sealed with sealant.
4. Replacing old cuffs. Before installing a new part, the bell is freed from dirt and traces of corrosion. The cuff is coated with silicone sealant.
5. Processing the joint between a toilet pipe and a cast iron sewer pipe. To do this, the corrugation is disconnected, cleaned and degreased. After reconnecting the part, the joint is treated with sealant.
6. Siphon inspection. When placing a plumbing fixture, the corrugated hose may not be given the required bend, which is why a water seal does not form. The desired pipe shape is achieved with your own hands. This keeps the water in the tube and prevents foul-smelling gases from passing through. After using the bathtub or shower, insert a plug into the drain hole.

Cleaning sewer networks using a grease trap

The grease trap consists of 2 components:

1. Primary filter. The wastewater discharged from the sink is supplied to the container. Here they are cleaned of large particles of dirt.
2. Secondary filter. Here, fat particles are removed, and the purified water is discharged into the sewer pipe.

Plumbing cleaning

You can remove the blockage from the siphon by disassembling the structure and washing its parts. This will help eliminate decaying waste that produces unpleasant odors.

To clean sink and bathtub drain pipes, you can use both chemicals and special equipment.

Cleaning the sink with boiling water

To clean the sink, perform the following steps:

1. The sink is washed and dried with a sponge.
2. The drainage device is washed with 5-10 liters of hot water. If the liquid goes into the sewer pipe slowly, the action is repeated.

Cleaning plumbing with baking soda and vinegar

If your pipes smell like sewer, you can try cleaning the drain system with baking soda and vinegar. These products remove contaminants that prevent water from flowing away. 100 g of soda and half a glass of vinegar are introduced into the neck of the siphon. The drain is closed with a rubber stopper or rag. The composition is kept in a drainage device for 5-6 hours for complete removal of fatty deposits. The drainage device is washed with a bucket of boiling water.

Salt, baking soda and cream of tartar for drain cleaning

To clean the sewer system in this way, mix 1 tbsp. l. salt, the same amount of soda and 0.5 cups of cream of tartar infusion. The composition is introduced into the drain, after which a glass of hot water is poured. After 2-3 minutes, rinse with running water.

Household chemicals

To eliminate sewer odor, acidic or alkaline compounds can be used. The most effective are Mole and Tiret. The required volume of liquid or powder is introduced into the drain hole, and 0.5 liters of water are added. After half an hour, 15-20 liters of water are poured into the neck of the siphon.

Devices for dealing with blockages

Chemicals sometimes fail to clear stubborn clogs. Contaminants are removed with a plunger or steel cable. In the second case, the toilet is disconnected from the sewer system.

Then perform the following actions:

1. The tip of the cable is inserted into the pipe and the device begins to rotate, moving it further. If a traffic jam appears on the way, the direction of rotation is changed. The cable is removed and washed.
2. The toilet is connected to the pipe, the siphons are returned to their place. 3-4 buckets of boiling water are poured into the drain holes.

The end of the cable is equipped with a spiral on which you can attach a brush, scraper or hook. The second side of the device is bent to form a handle.

Methods for improving the smell in an apartment

You have fixed all the problems with the pipeline, increased the ventilation of the premises, but the heavy, musty smell is still noticeable. At the last stage of the struggle, add products that have a pronounced pleasant aroma. Aromatherapy will help improve the atmosphere of the apartment, fill it with comfortable tranquility, or, conversely, add vigor and a feeling of celebration.

Store flavors

On the shelves of retail chains you can find many products for aromatizing the air in the apartment. These can be sprays, diffusers (transparent bottles with aromatic liquid and bamboo sticks inserted into it), scented candles, aroma lamps with essential oils, automatic sprayers. Their purpose is to make the indoor air pleasant to our sense of smell. All of them mask bad sewer fumes, but do not affect the source of their occurrence. Neutralizers and absorbers of unpleasant odors stand separately. They are small devices filled with some kind of absorbent component. Air enters the neutralizer through numerous holes, where it is cleaned of harmful impurities.

Strong-smelling products at hand

Folk remedies will help make your home atmosphere more comfortable. Rooms with high humidity can be refreshed by placing small containers filled with coarse sea salt mixed with a few drops of any essential oil. Salt will remove excess moisture, and essential oil will fill the room with a light aroma. Coffee beans, citrus peels, and dry herbs have a rich aroma. They are poured into bowls or packaged in sachets made from natural fabrics.

Placed in different parts of the home, such environmentally friendly fragrances will give the apartment a subtle, subtle smell.

Cleaning

Thorough cleaning and regular ventilation of the premises will help improve the air in your home. Modern cleaning products successfully remove any dirt from plumbing fixtures. Apply the cleaning gel to the earthenware surface of the toilet bowl - it will instantly dissolve the limescale deposits. Antibacterial components of detergents suppress the proliferation of microorganisms and prevent the appearance of unpleasant stench from the bathroom. Don’t forget about preventing blockages: cover the drain holes of the kitchen sink or shower stall with special meshes - this will protect the siphons from small debris. At the first signs of blockages, try to clean the siphons with any preparation that dissolves organic matter. They are produced in the form of a solution, thick gel, and dry granules. Otherwise, the unpleasant smell of sewage will fill the house.

Get rid of excess dampness: after washing, leave the washing machine door ajar, do not dry laundry in the apartment, and equip the bathroom with additional ventilation. If you have pets, keep the litter box clean. Change the filler more often, disinfect the tray and the floor around it. Special aerosols will help neutralize the smell of urine.

The article has been verified by the editors